FusionLayer Introduces Cloud-Native Blueprint for DDI Solutions

FusionLayer has published a new reference architecture designed for replacing legacy DNS, DHCP, and IPAN (DDI) solutions in enterprises around the world. The new architecture takes a cloud-native based blueprint and pairs it with a structured migration plan, so enterprises can mitigate against business continuity threats as they move away from legacy systems.

“According to Gartner research, the cost of network downtime for enterprises averages 5,600 US dollars per minute,” explains FusionLayer cofounder and chief executive Juha Holkkola.“Even so, most CIOs and IT executives continue to view the cost of manual processes in terms of man-hours and operating expenses. Our research shows that network downtime caused by human error and outdated processes are by far the most expensive mistakes large IT organizations make. For an organisation managing thousands of networks, just one minute of downtime per network per year would cost millions.”

The company also says that hybrid enterprise networking is becoming more popular, which has led to a rise in public cloud usage, such as Amazon Web Services’ Virtual Private Cloud (VPC), and Microsoft Azure Virtual Network (VNET). However, enterprises continue to base IP and network assignment processes on legacy DNS, DHCP, and IPAM.

“These solutions are usually disconnected from the modern hybrid multi-cloud business infrastructure, leading to manual steps in network management that are both error-prone and potentially very expensive,” the company explains. Legacy DDI solutions may be commonly associated as part of mission-critical enterprise networks and replacing them can be a risk because of business continuity concerns.

“These solutions typically date back to the 00s and lack integration possibilities. With digital transformation's introduction of new Information Technology models such as hybrid and edge clouds, traditional DDI solutions are unable to keep up with the evolution,” the company states. Holkolla says it’s a matter of damned if you do, and damned if you don’t when it comes to legacy DDI.

“Conservative organisations would love nothing better than to stick with their old guns. The fact is, that in a cloud-native world this prudency has repercussions. When an enterprise WAN is extended into VPCs or VNETs with no solution or process in place to prevent overlap between them, an honest human error can quickly spiral out of control.” FusionLayer’s reference architecture aims to bridge the gap between legacy solutions and the cloud native world, by bringing all network management under one system.

“By organising the management of all AWS VPCs, Azure VNETs, and tenant networks from both the edge cloud and traditional networks into FusionLayer’s unified overlay, the enforcement of standardised processes for the entire enterprise network can be enabled. And in turn, delivering the required level of network visibility and agility for the cloud-native world,” the company concludes.